The Easiest Way To Get Rid Of Ants In Fort Lauderdale

July 14, 2021

Thousands of ant species exist in the world today across all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. Ants are found in various colors, and have six legs, compound eyes, antennae, and an exoskeleton that covers the body. Most ants live in large colonies with designated roles, such as queens and workers.

Male ants have wings, and are responsible for mating with the queen. The majority of workers are wingless females who remain busy collecting food, feeding the developing larvae, and defending the nest. 

Some of the most common types of ants in Florida include: 

Ghost Ants

Measuring only about 1/16th of an inch, these pests have a dark-colored head, and a yellowish or white body. 

As you may be able to assume from their name, Ghost ants are very hard to see. We train our technicians to use flashlights when inspecting for ghost ants, since even on kitchen counters their trails can be hard to see.

Ghost ants are the most common ant we see in Fort Lauderdale area homes and businesses. On the exterior of structures, they consume the honeydew that is produced by plant eating insects including scale, mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies. 

Ghost ants often have multiple queens and colonies even within a single home. Completely eliminating them can be very challenging, and we recommend never using contact kill sprays to eliminate them, since this can actually cause their colonies to split and spread to additional rooms within your home.

Fire Ants

The red imported fire ant typically measures 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch long, and can deliver a painful sting. 

Fire ants in Florida often live deeper than six feet underground. While many pest control products can eliminate the fire ants you see on the surface of the soil, approximately 80% of the colony is underground at all times.

It is important that you contact a professional to eliminate fire ants, since their large colonies often have multiple mounds that can be very challenging to eliminate.

Acrobat Ants

When disturbed, the acrobat ant often raises its abdomen over its body. These ants have a brown or black appearance, and are largely viewed as mostly a nuisance.

Argentine Ants

They are very small ants that have a shiny light or dark brown appearance. When stepped on, these pests often release a musty odor. 

Pavement Ants

They are generally brown or black, and often build nests in sidewalks and other voids near pavement or cement.

As the sun heats up pavement, pavers, sidewalks or driveways, these small ants are attracted to the warmth of these areas. 

Even when products are applied to eliminate pavement ants, the sand or dirt they bring onto these hard surfaces often remains, requiring either heavy rainfall or a hose to remove.

The Challenge of Eliminating Ant Infestations

One problem with eliminating ant colonies involves their ability to rapidly reproduce. It is critical to use a treatment method that will access the many ants residing in their nest, instead of attempting more reactive efforts. 

Best Ant Prevention Methods

Eliminating sources of food and water is necessary to prevent ants. Avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight, crumbs on counters, or using kitchen-area trash cans without lids. Limit moisture and standing water by repairing leaky faucets and pipes. 

However, while most people think of what it is inside their Fort Lauderdale home that's attracting ants, the real source of the problem is on the outside.

Bugs including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whiteflies are often eating the nutrients from shrubs and trees surrounding homes. These bugs secrete a substance called honeydew which ants eat. 

With a regular lawn and ornamental program, you can eliminate these bugs which will eliminate the food attracting ants to your home.

Understanding Native Pest Management’s Ant Treatment Programs

The trained professionals with Native Pest Management adhere to a basic series of three steps in all treatment efforts, which include thorough inspection, effective treatment, and diligent follow-up. 

One of the common treatment options involves using broadcast bait applications composed of granules and delayed-action insecticides that the worker ants eat and bring back to the nest for others to consume. 

In situations where a noticeable ant mound exists, a product treatment might be used in the form of a bait or non-repellent spray.

The Importance Of Contacting Professional Pest Control

In many cases, property owners will underestimate the potential severity of intrusions from ants. Once a food source is discovered indoors, the ants will leave a chemical trail behind that notifies many others. 

Some of those who notice the presence of ants will search for do-it-yourself home treatment options that are offered through online retailers and local stores.

These products are sometimes in the form of aerosol sprays, liquid concentrates, and baiting systems, and are commonly marketed using overhyped claims of their effectiveness. The reality is that most of these solutions are insufficient to eradicate large infestations, and could contain harmful chemical agents.

The best course of action is to consult with a local pest control professional that is trained, and well-equipped to treat these concerns. 

Native Pest Management now offers various year-round protection plans that involve quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly visits from a seasoned expert that will keep the premises free from bothersome pests. 

Leading Provider Of Pest Control In Fort Lauderdale

The entomologist trained technicians at Native Pest Management have spent many years successfully solving problems related to ants, rodents, mosquitoes, termites, and a host of other unwanted pests for residential and commercial customers in Fort Lauderdale. 

As third-generation natives of West Palm Beach, we are proud to call South Florida home.

We now use many of the leading products and methods available in the industry that have proven to be safe for humans, pets, and the local environment. 

We look forward to speaking with you to schedule a comprehensive interior and exterior property inspection and provide you with a complimentary estimate of our ant control and prevention services.